Violent storms rip through the Mid-West USA by Tomasz Schafernaker
Tornadic thunderstorms developed across parts of the Mid-West last night causing flooding, hail damage and power cuts.
A cluster of violent storms pounded parts of Nebraska, unleashing torrential rain with golf ball size hailstones and producing a tornado which touched down near the town of Ulysses. Power lines were torn down, farm houses shattered and trees were left twisted and strewed. Another tornado was spotted in Chase County in the southwest of the state, near the town of Wauneta with further damaged reported. Much of the state remains under a tornado and flood watch, with flash flood warnings being issued for central and eastern Nebraska.
Tornadoes were also reported in Indiana where violent storms broke out yesterday injuring dozens and killing one.
Severe thunderstorms are not uncommon across Tornado Alley at this time of year. Tornado Alley lies in a belt from Texas through much of the Mid-west and up into Minnesota and the Dakota’s. In spring, cold, dry air from the Rockies is dragged down onto the flat plains by low pressure and often collides with warm and humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. Severe thunderstorms form in lines called Squall Lines along the boundary of these air masses. They often produce tornadoes, large hail and frequent lightning. The majority of tornadoes occur in the months of March, April and May, but many can often form in June.
Further thunderstorms are likely to develop across the north Mid-West over the next few days.
The BBC’s Simon Hancock has been chasing storms through Tornado Alley. He joined a professional team which hunts out tornadoes using hi-tech equipment.
Shortcut to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/I/hi/sci/tech/7426385.stm
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